The following is a statement from Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., regarding President Trump’s signing of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA).

“Today’s ceremonial signing of the USMCA continues the momentum farmers have been looking for since late 2018. We appreciate President Trump and his administration for their leadership on this bipartisan-backed trade deal.

“This agreement is a great and vital victory that will set the stage for increased agricultural opportunity in 2020 and the years to come. One in every five acres in Illinois is planted to feed Mexican and Canadian consumers. As farmers prepare for the 2020 planting season, hope is on the horizon for our Illinois farmers to sell what they grow.”

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 386,291 and a voting membership of 79,159. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.